The Adam Rippon Good News Thread

[Tavi]

I really like the turns in place right at the beginning - very well timed to music.

I am hopeless with jumps, though - is his combo a 3F-3T? It looks to me like he's on a left inside edge and picks back with the right - but it goes by really quickly, so maybe I'm wrong. If it is a 3F - is it a placeholder for a 4F? Otherwise, it seems like a really really long set up.

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

Looks good so far, even in the "I'm just trying to remember it all" phase. Love the arm positions and finish in that final spin combination.

 

[Sylvia]

I really like the turns in place right at the beginning - very well timed to music.

I am hopeless with jumps, though - is his combo a 3F-3T?

Yes. I assume a quad will be added when it's ready to be integrated into the program.

 

[Tavi]

Yes. I assume a quad will be added when it's ready to be integrated into the program.

The intriguing part to me is which quad (or quad combo) will be integrated. The entry he's using right now is common with both flip and toe, but not with lutz. Of course there's no reason he couldn't put a 4Z there with a different entry.

 

[aftershocks]

I hope Adam takes a cue from the "Let Me Think About It" video and goes with a fringe-inspired outfit.

I appreciate the fancam vid, even though the audio was not great. Adam is looking good, and maybe his costumes will evolve over the course of the season, so there's still hope for a bit of fringe and more bling.

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

I appreciate the fancam vid, even though the audio was not great. Adam is looking good, and maybe his costumes will evolve over the course of the season, so there's still hope for a bit of fringe and more bling.

Yeah, it's definitely early in the season, as he doesn't appear to be wearing any kind of costume here. (FWIW, Jimmy Ma competed over the weekend wearing Adidas track pants.) I'm sure whatever he decides upon, it will be amazing.

 

[Sylvia]

Replying to @Theoreticalgirl in this thread instead of in GSD:

does anyone know if the Cactus Classic had a judge's feedback session? I would assume someone like Rippon would take advantage of this feature to get the program polished and to curry favor at competitions that actually count.

Rippon did his competition readiness requirement at Cactus Classic this past weekend in order to be eligible for a Challenger Senior B assignment. I'm pretty sure he received judges' feedback on his programs there (with more detailed feedback to come at Champs Camp in August).

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

Replying to @Theoreticalgirl in this thread instead of in GSD:

Rippon did his competition readiness requirement at Cactus Classic this past weekend in order to be eligible for a Challenger Senior B assignment. I'm pretty sure he received judges' feedback on his programs there (with more detailed feedback to come at Champs Camp in August).

AHA. Thanks for this. I'm just tired of hearing everyone complain about the program. Like, all we've seen is some fancam footage of what's clearly a work-in-progress.

 

[Sylvia]

I think "everyone" is a bit of an exaggeration and people are entitled to express their opinions freely on FSU. This is the designated "fan/cheer" thread for Adam, along with notable news and updates on him, and I felt like replying in a more positive atmosphere.

Jeff Buttle will be touring with him in Japan for THE ICE and perhaps they will have the opportunity to continue refining his SP choreography.

 

[sk9tingfan]

I think "everyone" is a bit of an exaggeration and people are entitled to express their opinions freely on FSU. This is the designated "fan/cheer" thread for Adam, along with notable news and updates on him, and I felt like replying in a more positive atmosphere.

Jeff Buttle will be touring with him in Japan for THE ICE and perhaps they will have the opportunity to continue refining his SP choreography.

Sylvia, ITA. When I think about how his LP last year evolved over time, there was no comparison between the first time I saw it and the last time at Worlds

 

[Sylvia]

Fan cam of Adam's FS debut at Cactus Classic last weekend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJtGk3IeGos

Music is "Bloodstream" by Stateless; choreographer (starting on the floor) is Benji Schwimmer: https://www.instagram.com/p/BH0KSoajdHv/

 

[Karpenko]

That song works really well for Adam's way of moving and performing (very fluid). I think it's a good program, the first half works better than the 2nd though IMO. I'm not necessarily sold on that ending, and the tempo really slows down a lot. Could also use a bit more choreography with the feet/footwork throughout, but I love both of his programs this year. he looks really strong for this part of the season!

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

@Karpenko I agree about the tempo, but it might come together better when there's more speed/power/confidence in the moves. Like I said elsewhere, I do like the arm/hand positions, which is something a dance choreographer is going to bring the table. Still need a few more viewings, but I like what I see, and I think this is going to be a very telegenic program.

 

[aftershocks]

Adam Rippon looks ready for upcoming season. He's flexing his muscles at Champs Camp:
https://twitter.com/Adaripp/status/767725591801925632

Reunited with Mao Asada for The Ice:
https://twitter.com/Adaripp/status/762473383955017729

Last Fall, PJ Kwong interviewed Adam on her podcast. I suppose it may have been posted here previously. But in case it was missed by some fans, here is the enlightening and delightful interview again:
http://www.openkwongdore.com/2015/11/30/episode-154-adam-rippon/

Adam speaks very highly of his mother, and how she has managed so wonderfully with him and his siblings. He indicates that his mother was a dancer and she also enjoyed skating. Apparently, Adam gets a lot of his gorgeous movement quality from his Mom. Several years ago, Adam posted this pic of his Mom for Mother's Day. There's a noticeable resemblance:
https://www.instagram.com/p/ZOB5jwPYwb/

 

[arakwafan2006]

Adam Rippon looks ready for upcoming season. He's flexing his muscles at Champs Camp:
https://twitter.com/Adaripp/status/767725591801925632

Reunited with Mao Asada for The Ice:
https://twitter.com/Adaripp/status/762473383955017729

Last Fall, PJ Kwong interviewed Adam on her podcast. I suppose it may have been posted here previously. But in case it was missed by some fans, here is the enlightening and delightful interview again:
http://www.openkwongdore.com/2015/11/30/episode-154-adam-rippon/

Adam speaks very highly of his mother, and how she has managed so wonderfully with him and his siblings. He indicates that his mother was a dancer and she also enjoyed skating. Apparently, Adam gets a lot of his gorgeous movement quality from his Mom. Several years ago, Adam posted this pic of his Mom for Mother's Day. There's a noticeable resemblance:
https://www.instagram.com/p/ZOB5jwPYwb/

She is the sweetest woman

 

[antmanb]

This was on Adam's twitter last week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0yYr9o-d2U

I thought it was absolutely stunning, and I say that as someone who can't stand coldplay

 

[Sylvia]

This was on Adam's twitter last week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0yYr9o-d2U

Thanks! Looks like this performance of his "O" exhibition number was professionally filmed (more than one camera used & edited together) at the World Arena rink in Colorado Springs earlier this summer ("This piece is about a bird who used to lead the flock and now has a broken wing. The choreography is done by my incredible and genius friend, Benji Schwimmer. Hope you enjoy!").

Adam also put together this behind-the-scenes video during the last Osaka show of The ICE tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3oZ-IrAR9Q

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

This was on Adam's twitter last week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0yYr9o-d2U

I thought it was absolutely stunning, and I say that as someone who can't stand coldplay

Agreed. It made me wish more skaters premiered their new programs in this fashion. Nothing terribly fancy, but definitely did the trick in selling me on their work, moreso than shaky phone footage from a competition.

 

[aftershocks]

She is the sweetest woman

You've met Adam's Mom in person? If so, that's very cool.

 

[kwanette]

She is the sweetest woman

She's a wonderful person.

 

[aftershocks]

Awww, this photo is too cute and sweet! I love it! Both of them are huggable, snuggable.

https://twitter.com/Adaripp/status/778429650762543104

 

[Sylvia]

I think some fans might think this is good news :
https://twitter.com/CenteredSpin/status/786696563485732864
Michelle Kennedy's tweet:
"@Adaripp just announced on the [Skate America] media call that he has changed his free skate to his exhibition program to Coldplay."

Kennedy also tweeted:

... O by Coldplay choreographed by @BenjiSchwimmer.
Rippon's free skate begins with "Arrival of the Birds / Exodus" and then goes into Coldplay's "O."

ETA: The Cinematic Orchestra recorded both "Arrival of the Birds" and "Exodus."

For those with a season pass subscription to IN, Rippon's SP from Salt Lake City (new ISU personal best score of 87.86): http://web.icenetwork.com/video/v1168909983
There are also copies on YouTube.

 

[Sylvia]

Adam's new FS music is confirmed on his website: http://figureskatersonline.com/adamrippon/home/

... [he] collaborated with choreographer Benji Schwimmer to turn his exhibition number to “O (Fly On)” by Coldplay into a long program, with the addition of “Arrival of the Birds” by The Cinematic Orchestra (from the soundtrack for the 2008 film The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos) at the beginning.

Pre-Skate America article by Michelle Kennedy: http://figureskatersonline.com/news/2016/10/17/adam-rippon-takes-a-risk/

Adam's mixed zone interview on Thursday after his first Skate America practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMjGEwm3Fcg

 

[Sylvia]

First glimpse of Adam's new FS (2 minutes) from practice yesterday via TSL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MovE6-HSA7w

ETA:

In his first video in USFS' new "We Get Up" campaign, Adam shares memories from when he was 11: http://www.wegetup.com/skaters/adam-rippon/

What's your get up moment?: http://www.wegetup.com/skaters/adam-rippon-2/

 

[Allskate]

I didn't care for Adam's short program -- the music is not my taste and the execution isn't quite there yet. But, I already love that long program. It's creative and expressive and he already seems so comfortable with it. I can't wait to see him do it later in the season.

I never would have guessed that Benji Schwimmer choreographed it.

 

[briancoogaert]

Oh my, Adam really has two good programs this season. What a joy it is to watch him.

 

[Marco]

That long program was glorious.

 

[Karpenko]

The new LP is working and I love it. Great job on the quad attempt its a beautiful program.

It needs more MIF like a bird would do, birds love to do moves in the field and they do them all the time. All on one foot too because they have wings in case they fall over, birds just love transitions Adam. (I'll probably get flipped the bird for the suggestion somewhere, but whatever - fly on).

 

[Sylvia]

British Eurosport videos - Skate America (bronze medal):

SP (2nd place despite his bared shoulders! ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j2MOii3EPk

FS (audio working at the moment - this replay is commentary-free during the music): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GgkjPi1Fc8

Excerpt about his new FS: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/Oc...-Quad-Jump-While-Rivalry-With-Rippon-Heats-Up

Conversations with judges and good friend/fellow skater Florent Amodio led to Rippon realizing he should change his program.
“Florent told me, ‘If you have a good idea, you need to take advantage of it now,’ and I said you’re right,” Rippon recalled.
His new program incorporates Coldplay’s “O (Fly On)” with “Arrival of the Birds” by The Cinematic Orchestra. Rippon had been performing to Coldplay for his exhibition number and had it in the back of his mind he would hold it for the Olympic season.
The program was choreographed by Benji Schwimmer, winner of “So You Think You Can Dance,” who told Rippon of his choice for the new music, “People aren’t genius; they’re given moments of genius.”

“I really feel like I’m connecting to this music, I really feel like I’m performing to this music,” Rippon said. “I’m making the music happen instead of the music happening while I’m performing, so I’m really pleased with this choice and I think it says a lot about my training, that I was able to change it with a week and a half until the event and skate well.”
The story behind his free skate is that of a bird – the leader of the flock – whose wing is broken. Throughout the program, Rippon has flashbacks of being the leader as he tries to mend his broken wing.
“Then it’s my story when the Coldplay comes on of how I’m thinking about my broken wing and I’m still trying to fly,” he shared. “I’m waiting for it to heal, and I kind of do different movements like that all throughout the program.”

 

[firstflight]

I think his long program is the most 'significant' one this season so far out of any of the men. I hope he skates it lights out, fully emotionally invested, at some point this season because it is expansive in its possibility of connecting with viewers' personal stories. In its debut, I already saw glimpses of magic.